FOR ATHLETES, STUDENTS, families managing food sensitivities and professionals navigating demanding days, nutrition has grown increasingly complicated. Labels promising ‘high protein’ and ‘healthy’ often conceal artificial flavouring, unnecessary additives and ingredients that exclude more people than they include. Karen Marques recognized that gap — and built a company to close it.
Click here to view this story in magazine format
As founder and CEO of London-based Grindstone Blends Inc., Marques is reshaping how Canadians think about fuel. Her mission: high-protein, clean-ingredient foods designed to support sport, wellness, gut health and restricted dietary needs without sacrificing flavour or safety.
Story Continues Below
Grindstone Blends emerged from Marques’ own fitness journey, where she discovered hot rice cereal — commonly known as cream of rice — prized in elite athletic circles for its clean, fast-burning carbohydrate profile and digestibility. Naturally gluten-free and gentle on the gut, it offered advantages over wheat- or oat-based options. Yet in Canada, dedicated manufacturing was limited, and many available products contained artificial additives.
“The problem isn’t carbohydrates,” says Marques. “It’s the quality of carbohydrates. We need carbs, but we just need the right ones.”
That insight shaped Grindstone’s foundation. Its blends combine medium-glycemic white rice for immediate energy with black rice, a low-glycemic ancient grain rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, delivering sustained performance without the crash.
The result bridges sport and everyday wellness. Elite athletes rely on the blends for training energy. Students and professionals use them to avoid cognitive dips. Families managing food sensitivities find safe, inclusive options — especially during shared meals and celebrations.
“Scaling forces you to articulate who you are, what you stand for and why your product exists” —Karen Marques
Unlike many startups that outsource production, Marques invested early in Canadian manufacturing. To guarantee products are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, wheat-free, nut-free, vegan, and coeliac-friendly, Grindstone built specialized allergen-controlled systems and food-grade certified processes.
“We realized early that if we wanted to build trust, especially with people managing serious dietary restrictions, we needed full control,” says Marques.
Today, Grindstone operates Canada’s only dedicated hot rice cereal manufacturing operation designed specifically to produce granulated rice for optimal texture and digestibility. Domestic production form its Brydges Street facility is central to the brand’s identity.
Story Continues Below
“We are fuelling Canadians with products made in Canada,” says Marques. “That matters — for safety, for quality control and for long-term food resilience.”
Growth has followed the same disciplined approach. By repurposing rice granulation byproducts, Grindstone launched high-protein baking and pancake mixes, followed by single-serve, instant options. After three years of strong direct-to-consumer growth, Grindstone secured national distribution through a contract with PEAK Performance Products, positioning the brand for retail expansion. The next chapter will debut at CHFA Vancouver in March, where Grindstone will unveil redesigned packaging and new flavours to buyers nationwide.
“Scaling forces you to articulate who you are, what you stand for and why your product exists. It has been great getting to this point in my journey until now, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for us,” adds Marques.
Support from Southwestern Ontario’s innovation ecosystem has helped fuel that progress. As a Cohort 4 recipient of TechAlliance’s i.d.e.a. Fund, Marques leveraged funding and mentorship to connect with national buyers and industry leaders, with community and government alignment reinforcing the company’s expansion.
“I had the pleasure of visiting Karen’s facility firsthand this past fall, and it is evident that her motivation, drive and long-term vision guide everything she is building,” says Erika Oakes, senior project manager at TechAlliance. “She is already thinking ahead to expansion, with a clear focus on inclusion, quality and scale.”
As Grindstone prepares for broader distribution and continued growth, Marques remains focused on durability and impact. “We’re here to build something durable — for athletes, for families and for the future of food in Canada.”
The majority of mid-career and older employees want to embrace AI, but a lack of necessary training is pushing some…
As Canada’s iGaming sector continues to grow, so too does the demand for tech and marketing services
London Inc. Weekly: A summary of regional business news from the past week
Sure, team retreats can help create a more collaborative workforce. But they can also go off the rails fastA
When reaching a crossroads that requires entrepreneurs to choose between selling and growing their business, it’s crucial to consider the…